Queering Higher Education: Troubling Norms in the Global Knowledge Economy

This book examines key areas of inclusion in the global knowledge economy from a queer perspective, using empirical data from diverse international contexts. It explores whether queer theory can provide alternative readings of contemporary pathways, pedagogical and research cultures, political economies, and policy priorities in higher education. The main themes covered include epistemic injustice, decolonization, internationalization, feminist leadership, affirmative action, queering the political economy of neoliberalism, and digitalization of academic work. The book offers a comparative analysis that recognizes epistemic diversity, multiplicity of experiences, and the effect of comparative reason in constructing stratified universities and excluded and marginal academic experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary book delves into critical examination of key areas of inclusion within the global knowledge economy through the lens of queer perspectivism. Drawing upon empirical data from a diverse range of international contexts, including Chile, Finland, Japan, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and the UK, the book explores sites of affective antagonisms, fragility, and friction, and investigates whether queer theory can offer alternative interpretations of contemporary pathways, pedagogical and research cultures, political economies, and policy priorities in higher education.

The book addresses a range of central themes, including:

The Global Knowledge Economy and Epistemic Injustice: This section explores the relationship between the global knowledge economy and epistemic injustice, examining how power dynamics, inequalities, and discrimination shape access to knowledge and opportunities in higher education.

Decolonisation: The book examines the processes of decolonisation in higher education, exploring how colonial legacies and historical injustices continue to impact academic practices, policies, and curricula. It also examines the role of internationalisation in perpetuating colonial structures and inequalities.

Internationalisation: This section explores the processes of internationalisation in higher education, examining how globalisation, migration, and cultural exchange shape academic practices, research agendas, and institutional structures. It also examines the challenges and opportunities presented by internationalisation for marginalized and excluded academic experiences.

Feminist Leadership: The book examines the role of feminist leadership in higher education, exploring how feminist principles and values can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic institutions. It also explores the challenges and barriers faced by feminist scholars and activists in pursuing their goals.

Affirmative Action: The book explores the role of affirmative action in higher education, examining how policies and practices aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion can impact academic practices, policies, and outcomes. It also examines the challenges and controversies surrounding affirmative action.

Queering the Political Economy of Neoliberalism: This section examines the ways in which queer theory can provide alternative readings of contemporary pathways, pedagogical and research cultures, political economies, and policy priorities in higher education. It explores how neoliberalism and its associated policies and practices marginalize and exclude certain groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of colour.

Digitalisation of Academic Work: The book explores the digitalisation of academic work, examining how technology and digital platforms are transforming the nature of academic practices, research, and dissemination. It also examines the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalisation for marginalized and excluded academic experiences.

Both comparative and illustrative, this key text offers a comprehensive comparative analysis that recognises epistemic diversity, multiplicity of experiences, and the significant impact of comparative reason in constructing stratified universities and academic fields. It also takes into account the colonial historical entanglements in the ongoing formation and disavowal of the university and academic labour.

Queering Higher Education: Troubling Norms in the Global Knowledge Economy is an ideal reading for all those interested in queer theory and its relationship to higher education. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics and challenges facing higher education in the global context, and offers valuable insights into the potential for queer theory to contribute to transformative change in the field.

Weight: 371g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032190358